Mary Otis (Freeman) Gilbert Obituary (1936 - 2023)

Mary Otis Freeman Gilbert was born on October 10, 1936 in St. Mary's Colony in Bastrop County, Texas. She was the 8th and youngest child of Simon and Mattie Doyle Freeman. Affectionately called Polly, she was a member of St. Mary's Baptist Church and confessed her belief in Jesus Christ at an early age. On January 1, 1953, she joined Main East Austin Baptist Church, today known as Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church. She loved the Lord and Mt. Sinai family and faithfully demonstrated commitment to her faith through her works. She was a member of several choirs, a member of the gospel recording artist Chester D.T. Baldwin & M3, and she attended Sunday School. She loved serving in the music ministry and always cheerfully greeted fellow church members with a big smile and hug. If you were lucky, she would bless you with a slice of cake, pie or her famous teacakes. As a military wife, Polly traveled the country and even lived abroad in Germany. She had a number of favorite past times over the years - singing, making pottery, gardening, sewing, and softball, to name a few. Polly was an avid bowler and had the trophies to prove it. She loved completing puzzles and hanging them in the house for others to enjoy. More than anything, Sweetheart (her old CB handle) enjoyed blessing her family and friends with unique gifts made from her hands. There was nothing better than Aunt Polly in the kitchen, baking sweet treats that brought a smile to everyone. And if you were really lucky, she'd crochet a blanket or shawl (or two) for you. Polly was as feisty as she was sweet. She was a country girl at heart who, at 86 years-old, still did her own yardwork, could shoot a gun and didn't hesitate to correct you if you were getting out of line. You never had to guess with Polly - you always knew how she felt. Although Polly never had children of her own, she made every one of her nieces and nephews feel loved. For lack of better words, Polly was persuasive. If you are a niece or nephew and you are reading this, you probably believed you were her favorite. She absolutely and fiercely loved her family - she looked forward to family reunions, RV trips with her big brother, and Juneteenth celebrations in the country. Finally, there were her fur babies. There were not many places she would go that you didn't see Honey, Coco, Big Red or Sophia by her side. Over the years, Polly worked for the school district and spent several years as the shop manager at New Look Coiffures. Circa 1992, Mary entered the Froelich Family's life. They were a gift to her as much as she was a gift to them; a bonus family was born. She adored Diane and Steven and considered them as her own. Mary was called to eternal rest on Wednesday, August 2, 2023. She is preceded in death by her parents, Simon and Mattie Doyle Freeman, and her seven siblings, Justice "Dudder Butter" Freeman, Arvan "Dean" Freeman, Sallie "Sister" John-son, Arthur "Bill" Freeman, Alvester "Pane" Freeman, A.C. "Chic" Freeman, and Earlee "Jake" Freeman. She is survived by sisters-in-laws, Goldie Freeman, Susie Freeman, and Virginia Scales; a host of nieces and nephews (all who still believe they were her favorite) as well as beloved cousins and special friends, Loretta Hamilton, Helen Dukes, and Bessie Mayfield.